Chicago Army Veteran Faces Deportation After Losing Appeal

CHICAGO, IL — A U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan faces deportation because of a 2008 drug conviction. The green card holder has lost an appeal to remain in the country. Miguel Perez Jr is being held in a detention center where he awaits deportation.

Perez, 39, argued that his life would be in danger if he were deported to Mexico; however, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago rejected his argument.

Perez, who left Mexico when he was eight years old, said he mistakenly thought he became a U.S. citizen when he took an oath to protect the country. His family is "distraught," Perez's supporters told the Chicago Tribune. Perez has two children who are U.S. citizens.

He pleaded guilty to a drug charge for giving a laptop containing cocaine to an undercover officer in 2008. He served half of a 15-year prison sentence.

Perez is being held in a detention center in Wisconsin.

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